Shaanholidays

Kedah

Kedah is one of the Border States of the north of peninsula, with access to its neighbour Thailand via the road which crosses the frontier at Bukit Kayu Hitam, near Changlun. Sungai Sanglang marks the boundary with Perlis to the north, and the Sungai Muda with Province Wellesley (Seberang Prai) to the south. The Sungai Krian forms its boundary with Perak.
The state of Kedah has never been short of places to go. Packed with cultural and heritage attractions, one may not get enough of Kedahan’s marvellous collection of awe-inspiring tourist fascinations. From the welcoming people to the magnificent beaches and waterfalls, Kedah posses some of the most distinguished exquisite landmarks in the world. Everything else shall be at the disposal of your imagination.

The Langkawi
group of islands forms part of the state. the greater part of the state is taken up by the broad Kedah-Perlis rice plain which produces over half the nation's home-grown rice supplies and whose exploitation has been intensified with the construction of the Muda Irrigation Scheme. There are industrial estates at Alor Setar, Kuala Kedah and Sungai Petani. The University of the North (University Utara) is temporarily situated near Jitra, but before long will move to its permanent site at Sintok, near the Thai border. Gunung Jerai (Kedah peak) forms a prominent landmark on the coast, overlooking the Muda estuary, and is a tourist attraction.

1. Alor Star is the state capital of Kedah, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. It is the only city in west coast of Peninsular Malaysia which rich in Malay culture. The state is famed for its paddy fields and is known as "The rice bowl" of the country.

2. Langkawi is an archipelago consists of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, south of Thailand, 30km off the mainland coast of north-western Peninsular Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia's Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island) with a population of some 45,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba.

Tourists flock here for the delightful beaches, superb resorts and refreshing nature-based activities. The best beaches include Pantai Cenang, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok and Pantai Datai. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD.

Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam and Langkawi along with it. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred power to the British, which held the state until independence, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi.

Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism and improve the lives of the islanders. The following boom was spectacular and now Langkawi figures on most every European travel agency's radar.

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the north-eastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks - but hampered by inaccessibility - the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret".

Food for Thought

Alor Setar

Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa is situated on the top of Menara Alor Star, a prominent and modern landmark, the proud symbol of Kedah's rapid progress which functions as both a telecommunications tower and a bona fide tourist attraction. Sitting at 94 meters above ground, Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa di Menara Alor Star offers a spectacular view of Alor Star, Butterworth and you can even see Thailand from its position in the centre of town.

Was officially opened on Wednesday, 1st September 2004, this sister restaurant of Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa at Menara Kuala Lumpur could accommodate 150 guests at a time on its revolving dining and buffet area. The beautifully decorated restaurant provides ambience where guests can enjoy a superb selection of food harmonised by entertaining music for a unique dining experience. Open daily and specialises in a variety of sumptuous local as well as international cuisine.

Kuala Kedah Kuala Kedah is located 15 km from Alor Setar. Kuala Kedah is a busy fishing village and there is a large jetty for ferries to Pulau Langkawi. The ferry jetty at Kuala Kedah is the centre of activity. Visitors from as far away as Alor Setar and Jitra come to get their supply of fresh fish, mollusc and crustaceans here. As with most coastal towns, good seafood is available at Kuala Kedah. And well-known for its juicy Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) as well as a local delicacy made of thick rice vermicelli with spicy fish gravy called Laksa Kuala Kedah. Do stop by the Medan Selera (Food Court) Ikan Bakar Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) Kuala Kedah, 400 meters from the jetty for mouth-watering delicacies. Also famous here is the Laksa Kedah.

Langkawi
For a taste of simple Malay-style breakfast, just walk up to a small stall opposite the Underwater World in the mornings and feast on the famous freshly-prepared banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak (steamed rice in coconut milk). The price is most affordable at less than RM 2 for a pack. Go local and enjoy this with a glass of hot teh tarik or really good local coffee. This very unassuming stall is just simple and great (clean too!) The nasi lemak comes with curried beef, squid in chilli, friend salted fish or chicken.

Other places where can enjoy good food with affordable price are:-

Restoran Fatimah near the Kampung Tok Senik Resort on the road to Ulu Melaka is a must. Try this for really authentic Malay food. Their lunch spread is amazing - so amazing that they attract bus loads of Malaysian visitors. If you are bent on trying things local this is the place. Just enjoy the food and leave your cultural baggage and complaints behind as you will be in a totally different ambiance but friendly, nevertheless.

Rafi's Place is a rustic shack sandwiched between Restoran Aliah's and Tomato Nasi Kandar on Pantai Cenang. No visible signboard either but ask around and you will find Rafi's. Locals come here for the nasi lemak (RM3) and the local tea and coffee (RM1) which are good by the way. Rafi is a Penangite but has been on the island since 1988 so he considers himself very much local. AddaMaya Café on Pantai Cenang (near Haji Ramli's; or opposite Nadia's Comfort Inn) is a small, cosy place for meals and coffee. The chef can whip up great meals - from local dishes to western fast food easily (and in that little cabin of his). Problem is, it can get a bit dusty as it is located fronting the main road. Locals like to come here for good food at reasonable prices. Mimi, Pantai Cenang serves the best 'Ikan Bakar' or grilled fish with tantalising self-made sauce. Snapper or grouper that cost you RM4 per 100 gram is a must try. Also offers a variety of traditional Malay dishes like tom yam and 'ayam masak merah' (chicken cooked in non-spicy sauce). Only a few minute walk from Underwater World, at the opposite side of the road.

Breakfast Station, Pantai Cenang. It has great Balinese decor, rustic with cosy ambience. One can get fantastic Lavazza Coffee for RM4 and fantastic Nasi Lemak. The Western spread is a pleasant surprise. Best omelette in town. Lunch starts at 12 pm, which also means the end of the breakfast menu. A couple of minutes walk from Restoran Haji Ramli.

Beach Garden Resort's Beer Garden Pantai Cenang offers 1^st class Western & Malay dishes in a stylish holiday - beach atmosphere. Superb wine selection, draft beer and German wheat beer (own import) as well as cocktails.

Champor Champur, Pantai Cenang. This place serves moderately wacky fusion food in a fusion setting courtesy of a Dutch-Malaysian couple with an affinity for Africa.

Fat Mum Restaurant is situated at Pantai Tengah. Just up the road from Awana Resort. This place serves great authentic local Chinese seafood restaurant, and at a reasonable price.

Fook Look Chinese Restaurant is situated at the Oriental Village. Your dinner comes with a free Chinese theatre performance!

Hole in the Wall Fishfarm & Restaurant located at Kilim River. Usually it is not a big deal to go.

Restoran Haji Ramli, Pantai Cenang. Your Nasi Campur haunt by day and run-of-the-mill Tom Yam shack by night. 'Ikan Bakar' - Grilled fish and other fresh seafood a'la carte after 3 pm. Fresh terubuk (shad) which is unheard off in the mainland! Grab a couple of fist-sized prawns and cuttlefish (squid) cooked Tom Yam style for a gastronomically lesson in local seafood. The place opens till 1 am.

Matahari/Sun Village, Pantai Tengah. The place offers good Malay food in an atmospheric garden full of lush greenery, water features and exotic art.

Oasis (Pantai Tengah/Cenang) is a great beach hangout serving western meals and drinks. It comes alive in the evenings. Come shoeless as the feel of the soft powdery sand is so good.

Red Tomato Splash, Right on the Pantai Cenang beach behind Tomato Nasi Kandar. The place has great Western breakfast and lunch menus, and pasta and pizza for dinner. Beach patio setting is very relaxed - bring your own beer or wine.

Tulsi Garden, located at Pantai Tengah. Good Indian food (northern and southern). It's a quiet place to have dinner and chat with friends. Best part is you can ask the chef to tone down the chilli or spiciness levels.